The air-cooled combustion engine has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, liquid-cooled engines were the norm, but air-cooled designs gained popularity due to their simplicity and reliability. The first successful air-cooled engine was developed by German engineer Karl Benz in the late 1800s, then further refined through the 1920s and 1930s. Notably, the Volkswagen Beetle, introduced in 1938, featured an air-cooled engine, contributing to its widespread success. These engines were favored in motorcycles, small vehicles, and aircrafts due to their lighter weight and reduced maintenance needs, though liquid cooling eventually became dominant as complexity and horsepower increased.  

Highlights on view from the Audrain Collections and few local lenders will include a 1908 Cameron Model 9, 1923 Franklin Series 10, 1968 Tatra rear-engine V8, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, 1958 Porsche Diesel  Junior 108K tractor, 1959 Autobianchi Bianchina Trasfromabile, 1961 Chevrolet Corvair Lakewood 700, 1924 Harley-Davidson, 1936 Indian 436 Upside Down Four, among others.